Sunscreen Bands FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Band Work?

There are specially patented photo-chromic dyes imbedded in the band that change colours when exposed to UV radiation of the sun. This is the same damaging UV radiation for which we use sunscreen to protect our skin when we go out into the sun. The band goes from pink (fresh from the package) to dark purple (activated, when first exposed to the sun for five minutes) to light purple (when it reminds you to reappply sunscreen), to pale yellow/white (when it is time to get out of sun for the day!)

Why do I apply sunscreen to the band?

By putting sunscreen on the band you are mimicking the protection the sunscreen is giving to your body. There is no more guessing on how effective the sunscreen is. The band will indicate that with colour changes.

When do I put sunscreen on the band?

Put your first application of Sunscreen on to the sun exposed skin before you go outside for best results. Once outside place the band on the wrist and when it turns purple apply sunscreen to the band. Put the band on before you put on sunscreen so the adhesive on the band sticks. It is important to put the sunscreen on before you go into the sun for your best protection. The second application of sunscreen should be applied to the body and the band after the band turns colour from dark purple to light purple (lavender). When the band turns yellow or white it is recommended to get out of the sun or cover up exposed skin from the sun.

How long will it take before the colours change?

It all depends! It depends on how much UV radiation you are getting, but it will generally turn in 1 - 2 hours. Sunny summer days, between 10AM and 4PM are the maximum times for UV exposure. If you are in the shade you will get less radiation. The band will measure wherever you go. In fact if you go inside where there is no UV radiation, the colour progression stops, however, there is memory, and when you go back outside, the band continues to measure from where it left off.

When do I reapply sunscreen and how many times can I do it?

The band reminds you to reapply when the colour turns to lavender (light purple) and of course follow the directions on the bottle of sunscreen that you are using to reapply. Reapplying will not change the colour of the band back to dark purple, however, it will reduce the UV absorption because more protection was just added. The colour change will be slower In other words, it will keep the band at light purple longer before changing to yellow/white.

Can I continually reapply sunscreen all day to protect myself? When do I need to get out of the sun?

Please follow the directions on the bottle of sunscreen that you are using. Our UV sunscreen bands will properly measure your maximum sun exposure for the day based upon the SPF level of your sunscreen. It is important to understand that sunscreen does NOT block all UV radiation, and no matter how much sunscreen you use there is a limit to how much time you should spend in the sun. Once the band turns pale yellow to white (to match the repeated pattern printed on the band) it is recommended to get out of the sun or cover up!

Can the band be used in Water or Salt Water?

Our sunscreen bands work in pool water or salt water at the beach. What matters is the sunscreen! Sunscreen can wash off your body in water. If that happens, it will also wash off the band. The band will give you an accurate reading based on the sunscreen you are using and how long you are using it. Certainly wear the band in water!

Can I wear the band for more than one day?

No. The band is designed to work once per day. However the band will work for a full day. It has memory and will measure the UV radiation throughout the day both inside and out. Do not use partly used bands the next day. The band does not measure time, only exposure to the sun. Once the day is over, dispose or recycle (plastic code 5) the band.

What if I do not put sunscreen on the band?

This is not recommended since the band is calibrated to work with SPF 15 and above. It is not advised to go outside in intense sun for more that 15 minutes in the summer without sunscreen Without sunscreen, the band's colour progression will move much more quickly, and could give a false reading.

What kind of sunscreen will work with the bands?

The band is calibrated to work with a SPF15 or higher. Any kind of sunscreen is fine to use, including lotions, creams or sprays. What is important is that you properly cover your entire sun-exposed skin and the band with sunscreen for best protection.

Are there other bands which change colour when exposed to the sun?

Yes there are other bands available but we believe they are not even close to what our bands do and they are not proven for calibration accuracy. They do not work in water and they do not work with sunscreens. There are many products that can change colour and tell you when to get out of the sun, but ours is the only one that tells you when to reapply sunscreen and when to get out of the sun and can work in all conditions wet or dry. Plus ours actually activates to prove they are working.